Best products from r/CrohnsDisease

Ive only been diagnosed for a year and a half. Once I hit remission I tried many things when my poop is less then ideal or I have odd cramps or minor bloating.

Rooibos, peppermint, or ginger tea.
I read that a lady who had crohns for 25 years found that peppermint essential oil (1 drop) in her tea drastically reduced her symptoms. So I use that in my morning tea.
When my poop is soupy. I found psyllium husk made it more firm and friendly on my bottom.
However the best thing for me by far is bentonite clay. I mix a tbsp with my psyllium husk on an empty stomach once a day. Havnt had to be on medication since. However some have said that it could be potentially be harmful, but after using it I can go to the gym, trust my farts to be farts, work a normal job and be pretty much symptom free.

Also diet. Dairy, wheat, and most meat can be irritating on the gi tract. Try hemp seeds and other grinded seeds as an easy to digest form of protein. Home made hummus is always nice, dried fruits as a snack, and ive read that fruit in any form should only be eaten as a snack because the fructose can make other foods when eaten together hard to digest.
Home made soup stock is delightful and nutrious for you. Take the bones and simmer for up to a day. You want the bones to crumble before you use the stock for a soup. Add water as you see fit. Sometimes I take a cup of the stock and drink it like a tea, the fat in the stock is an easy to digest form of energy thats also soothing for the gut.

While I havnt tried. I hear manuka honey helps, and congee. Ive also read that everyone is sensitive to different foods. See a naturalpath doctor or a nutritionist to see what those may be could be helpful.

In more of my readings, ive learned that keeping your lymphatic system clean and clear can make it easier on your body to keep everything in check and clean. Meaning a skin brush, exer ise, some trampoline exercising, and muco-trypic herbs can help you.

This book has taught me most of what I know and changed my life.

Edit: forgot to mention digestive enzymes. Just recently ive been taking some and ive been having picture worthy poops as of late. This is the particular brand ive been taking.

Edit2: just remembered that marijuana helped numb me to the pain when I had an anal fissure. However ive since learned how to infuse it into an oil (coconut for ingestion or grapeseed for a topical oil) when made successfully, it has been thee best massage oil to help with soar muscles or cramps. As in, I had an intense leg day at the gym and am super soar the next day. Apply oil to affected areas and no more pain within the hour. Plus no relapse. The stuff is amazing. I unfortunately cant take it since im in the military.

I have Crohn's and have had 2 setons in place for 6 months while I wait for Remicade to hopefully shrink my fistulas. I can't comment on the constipation issue as I didn't have that problem but I'll share this...

Setons are challenging to your peace of mind, hygiene, and health. You have digestive acids and fecal particles slowly draining onto your skin and that can lead to skin irritation. Additionally, the seton material can cause friction pain in your butt cheeks if you walk vigorously or walk a lot. I find that talking wide strides or stretching my legs in any way causes the setons to pull on the skin that it goes through which also causes pain. Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, the setons make it very difficult to wipe effectively after a bowel movement because they can interfere with wiping motion while using toilet paper.

Given all that here are some recommendations:

1. Buy a bidet. Having fecal matter stuck in your butt because you couldn't wipe well smells terrible, feels gross, and can lead to infection. I've put some links at the bottom of this message for affordable bidets you can install on your toilet or a portable bidet to use on the go. The stream of water will clean you very well after a bowel movement and then just use TP to pat yourself dry. If you have a removable shower head you can use that to wash yourself after a bowel movement if you don't want to install a bidet. I highly recommend the portable bidet. I take mine with me whenever I'm away from home and can carry it discretely in a small tote bag. If I need to move my bowels I can still clean myself properly.
   
   
2. Take long baths daily. Your doctor probably recommended a sitz bath a few times per day for 15 minutes but I found that minimally helpful. I found true relief in soaking in a hot tub morning and night each day for as long as my schedule would allow. While in the tub palpate and press gently on any remaining abcesses to help them drain. I'd read in the tub, browse Reddit, watch Netflix, etc. often spending 90 minutes in a hot/warm bath because it felt so good.
   
   
3. Carry protective pads. Some people like large gauze pads. I found it easier to use panty liners. Your drainage will smell and stain your clothes off you don't protect them. I through 2-3 pads per day now but was definitely more when my drainage was heavier. I keep a few in the portable bidet tote bag in case I need a fresh pad while I'm away from home.
   
   
4. Be careful about the ibuprofen use - and get a colonoscopy. When I came down with abcesses and they found my fistulas my colorectal surgeon didn't think I had Crohn's because I didn't have a lot of common symptoms. It wasn't until we did a colonoscopy a few months after the seton placement that I learned that I actually do have Crohn's. NSAID's aggravate Crohn's so it might be prudent to switch to Tylenol until Crohn's is ruled out in your case.
   
   
5. Calmoseptine Ointment. It's such a great barrier in protecting your skin from moisture irritation. It's like diaper cream with super powers. But if you find yourself without Calmoseptine diaper cream is better than nothing.
   
   
6. You may need to choose different exercises for now. As I wrote above, the setons limit my range of motion and cause friction between my butt cheeks so running is an absolute no no. I've even had to modify my walking gait whereby I have shortened my student considerably and walk at a slower pace.
   
   I'm sorry to dump all this on you. It's an overwhelming time and throwing all this info at you may just make you feel more overwhelmed. But I hope that you'll come to find this information helpful and that it helps you maintain your dignity and sanity as you wait for the fistulas to heal.
   
   Bidet links: I own #2 and #3
   
   1 - Base $35 model, cold water only https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A0RHSJO
   
   2 - Deluxe $60 model, hot and cold water. Note that you'll need a hot water line close enough to the bidet to be able to run a line from the hot water source to the bidet. Check your bathroom before buying. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A0RX2UI
   
   3 - Travel Bidet:
   Not as effective as the built in models but I'm oh so glad to have it when I have to move my bowels if I'm not at home. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CSDKSQ
   

I'm gonna take some downvotes here to make a recommendation here to you that you may not be aware of. There is no cure, but a lot of people find some relief through managing their diet. There are a lot of choices, and every person is different, but in my opinion it's worth exploring. Not just my opinion either, but in the opinion of some very smart Doctors and others who see multiple patients and different cases. If they feel that there is some value in pursuing therapy through diet, I'm game to try. For me, so far, I'm experiencing a profound difference in my condition, and I like to think it's partly due to my diet. I don't know, but, it certainly doesn't hurt to try.

Here's my favorite resource. A brand new book by a practicing GI and GI prof. He practices at Seattle Children's and is a Professor at the University of Washington. I have confidence that it's at least worth a try. Here's the book, the diet is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Good luck friend.

There is no specific test that could be performed. However, you might consider a consult with a pediatric gastroenterologist with respect to a monitoring program. I would suggest that an annual fecal calprotectin test, in conjunction with ensuring vitamin D sufficiency, might go a long way towards early detection, and prevention (respectively).

Note that while the "standard" for vitamin D is 30 ng/mL, we really don't know what is required to prevent autoimmune disease. 30 is enough to stave off most of the bone and dental problems, but we're really not sure where it should be for optimal human health. However, I would opine that, for those at greater risk for Crohn's, something like 40-50 (and maybe even to 60) ng/mL might be better. Consult your pediatrician; however, if they give the standard line of 400 IU/day, beware: again, that's enough to prevent rickets, but we don't know about autoimmune disease.

Note that Crohn's and other autoimmune diseases are very rare in tropical and developing countries; there is a clear north-south gradient that is suggestive of vitamin D deficiency being a problem. Inasmuch as swimsuit-level irradiation from the sun provides about 1000 IU/minute, it seems likely that our equatorial brethren are getting much more than Europeans and Americans. (Also note that showering with soap and water may be removing vitamin D from the skin; dietary supplementation- preferably with liver, eggs, cod liver oil- may help.)

Lastly, eat fermented foods. I would strongly encourage reading Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Dr. Weston Price, as well as the WAP Foundation's Nourishing Traditions. I can't stress this enough: Nourishing Traditions will seem like the most flake-a-zoid thing you've ever read, but they're absolutely, bang-on correct.

Anyway- if I had kids, they'd be eating a lot of fermented foods (not soy), getting lots of sunlight, playing in the mud, and getting all the fat and protein I could stuff into them, without wheat and minimizing other grains.

Good luck.

The one I bought is called "GUOER Mask Can Be Washed Reusable N95 Mask One Size Multiple Colors" (link:https://www.amazon.com/GUOER-Washed-Reusable-Multiple-Color23/dp/B073QMLX47/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542218617&sr=8-1&keywords=GUOER+Mask+Can+Be+Washed+Reusable+N95+Mask+One+Size+Multiple+Colors) and on Amazon it's $13. I do not take any supplements for my immune system as I don't want to help it work better on my gut. I do use sleepytime sinus soother/throat tamer/vanilla tea which seems to help provide steam to my sinuses and make them feel better. I also sometimes take echinacea and zinc cough drops as that should predominately act locally and inhibit illness in that area but not act to promote my immune system elsewhere. However, that is theoretical and I haven't done any reading about the global impact (versus the local mouth impact) of zinc lozenges. One really helpful thing I do is use a personal steam inhaler with a menthol inhalant (steamer link: https://www.amazon.com/Vicks-Personal-V1200-Targeted-Congestion/dp/B0000TN7MY/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542218643&sr=8-3&keywords=vicks+personal+steam). That helps me fight off illnesses fairly well, I think, and makes me feel much better, too. Finally, I've just started sleeping more and taking better care of myself. Like, 8 hours is the norm, even though I'm in grad school. I'm happy to discuss more as I've always gotten sick easily and now I'm sure it will be worse.

Ask the doc about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. My doctor had recommended it as an option to me, but kinda down played it since it's pretty strict. I read the book on it, implemented some of the practices, but eventually stopped and started eating whatever thinking that my medication was enough. Eventually had another flare up, and switched to the diet right away. Was amazed by how rapidly I improved. I really think anyone with UC or Crohn's (like me) or anything similar should check out the book. On amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Vicious-Cycle-Intestinal-Through/dp/0969276818/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Happy to chat more on it.

What are you going for there? :)

If you have open skin and/or an active infection, see if you can ask your primary care physician for silvadene cream (silver sulfadiazene). We use it on bedbound patients who get moisture-related skin breakdown from incontinence and that stuff is like magic. We also used the following, just kind of depending on preference of the patient and/or the care provider:

• Coloplast
  
• Calmoseptine
  
• Calazime
  
  And hydrocortisone is your friend, so much love for the lowly hydrocortisone <3

Are you on any type of medication for it to try to gain remission? My daughter is on remicade and 6mp and doing very well.

Also I had this book suggested to me from here if you are interested in it.

Good luck!

Have you tried ingesting oregano oil? It has been incredible for restoring my BMs and is my main 'medication' for achieving remission.

There is some research that suggests Crohn's may be caused by MAP: http://www.crohns.org/map_food/dairy.htm

Oregano oil is very effective at treating MAP: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5615284/

I use the natural factors brand, the enteric coating is supposed to help it reach the lower intestine better: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Factors-Peppermint-Gastrointestinal-Softgels/dp/B000RGDVDA

This disease is hilarious, I've been living with Crohn's my whole life too. It's good that you can laugh at it, and not let it take over your life. I laughed when you said "almost seven years I should have known not to trust that fart". Stay away from spicy food, caffeine, drink lots of water at least 2 liters a day, take some acidophilus capsules, and buy the book "Life Without Bread" , and follow it.

Bidet is the way to go! A few years ago this one was recommended somewhere on reddit, I bought it and love it (as a mom to a crohnie).

I have an older Consumer Reports on toilet tissue, I don't like Scott 1000 or Angel Soft (or Costco's version of it). I settled on Target's Premium Ultra Soft (or Ultra Strong, I couldn't really tell a difference) that was listed on my report as in the top 5 for dissolving/fewer clogs.

Finally, we also updated our (25 year old) toilets to American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Tall Height 2-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush and haven't had a single clog yet in three years.

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray 2-Ounce Bottle, Original Citrus Scent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0108XRDJE/

That will over power the stankiest stank.

And if you rock a 2 piece wafer/bag, change bags frequently - like once in the morning and once in the afternoon. And be sure to tie up those bags in plastic bags and dispose of them outside of your room.

Don't burp the bag in bed - go to the bathroom if you have to do that. Hopefully you use filtered bags and don't have to burp often, plus changing the bag 2x per day should keep the filter unclogged.

Have fun on vacation!!

I haven't had any iron pills, but this liquid seems to be pretty good for me.

Same here! Took a suggestion from this sub and got the Astor (no pun intended by me- but possibly by the manufacturer) Bidet from Amazon for $30 including shipping. It took less than 5 minutes to hook up using their parts. Now my parts are constantly clean and there is no more wiping- sometimes a pat down to dry the area. I still check with TP after particularly crazy BMs and am still amazed that the area is completely clean.


edit: https://www.amazon.com/Astor-Non-Electric-Mechanical-Attachment-CB-1000/dp/B003TPGPUW

For anyone curious this is the one we got. https://www.amazon.com/Luxe-Bidet-Neo-120-Non-Electric/dp/B00A0RHSJO?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top
Not the cheapest and not the most expensive, but it works like a charm

I've been looking at Soylent for a while. I've heard good things, and it seems like it would be well suited to being a meal replacement for people with IBD. I have to mention that I haven't tried it yet though, so I can't guarantee the quality.

I recommend this one.
Luxe Bidet Neo 120 - Self Cleaning Nozzle - Fresh Water Non-Electric Mechanical Bidet Toilet Attachment (blue and white) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A0RHSJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_VATWAb88AS8BD

Switch to a Bidet and save on toilet paper and your bumm.

Luxe Bidet Neo 120 least expensive but works well

Solgar Gentle Iron is the only iron supplement I’ve ever taken that doesn’t kill my guts. I’ve been taking it daily for years, it really helps with a little extra boost in energy.

I used the manufacturer's starter packets. Then I would try and remember to save some of my own yogurt to culture the next batch... http://www.amazon.com/Yogourmet-Freeze-Yogurt-Starter-Packaging/dp/B001GVIS4M/ref=pd_bxgy_79_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1BB18G4B36A1ZM1ZEGTF

As others have said I doubt others are noticing it on your clothes. If you are still concerned this stuff works great. You spray it directly on the toilet water surface.

Go for the diet! I highly recommend. My partner has ulcerative colitis and this was the only thing that worked. You're very lucky you have a doctor open to this; most refuse to investigate non-medical options, strangely. Ignore any weird references toxins or cleanses - this must be some new, lame spin on it - SCD is actually very straight forward and science-based. Yes, strict at first , but once you get your guts stabilized, you can experiment and let some "illegal" foods back in...

Books to get started:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0969276818/ref=pd_aw_sims_2/182-1240542-1141736?pi=SY115&simLd=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/159233282X?pc_redir=1412274841&robot_redir=1

So my fiancee has Crohn's and I installed a Bidet in our bathroom, it was MUCH easier and cheaper than I had expected and it works great, SOO much less irritation for her.

The only downside is that our 3 year old sometimes squirts the wall with the damn thing...oh well, that's what towels are for.

I drink Soylent Bottles

Tastes kinda like the after milk from Cheerios sorta but bland. I mix mine with chocolate syrup sometimes.

I think smoothies in general might be a good option also but my blender sucks so I don’t do that yet.

If you're interested in reading the book (Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall), you can find the PDF online if you're really starving for money (seek seekhapiness' comment below). I read through the ebook and eventually decided that it'd be worth my time to buy the book off Amazon and commit to the diet.

EDIT: Removed link.

https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Vicious-Cycle-Intestinal-Through/dp/0969276818/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473729134&sr=1-1&keywords=breaking+the+viscous+cycle

Read the reviews.

Why not try a travel bidet?

Here's the one I got: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CSDKSQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've been using it for less than a week, so I haven't made a final decision on how I'd rate it. So far it gets the job done, though.

They make travel bidets, they're basically squeeze bottles with specialized nozzles:

http://www.amazon.com/Brondell-GS-70-GoSpa-Travel-Bidet/dp/B008CSDKSQ

I have made it my life's mission to go forth and spread the gospel of the holy church of the bidet.

if not: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A0RX2UI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Best $70 I ever spent